In an effort to advertise its global “Open Happiness” campaign, Coca-Cola has setup a vending machine at the National University of Singapore that will give away a free coke in exchange for a hug. A wonderful idea that not only spreads kindness but also rewards people for stepping out of their comfort zone.

The machine, draped in Coca-Cola’s signature red with the command “hug me” splashed across the front, had people lined up by the dozen, ready to hug out it. Observers said people were even hugging one another as they waited in line.

“Reactions were amazing,” observed Leonardo O’Grady, Coca-Cola’s Integrated Marketing and Communications Director for the East, South Asia, and Pacific Rim. “At one point we had four to five people hugging the machine at the same time as well as each other! In fact, there was a long line of people looking to give hugs. It was really fantastic and heartwarming.”

Since 2009, “Happiness Machines” have been distributed around the world. There have been the “friendship machines” which gave two Cokes for the price of one if you had a friend with you, and a machine that not only handed out Cokes but flowers and balloons as well. Even Brazil received a “happiness truck” last year that would drive around and hand out Cokes, soccer balls, t-shirts and surfboards.

These machines are bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. What do you think? Would you hug a vending machine for a free Coke?